Sinn Féin - On Your Side

Incompetence leads to withdrawal of money for youth groups

Sinn Fein Education Spokesperson, Newry Armagh MLA Davy Hyland has
criticised the Department of Education after it emerged that the Southern
Education Library Board was forced to withdraw a FACELIFT scheme that it had
already advertised that would enable youth groups to carry out external
improvements because of departmental incompetence.

Mr Hyland said:"The withdrawal of this FACELIFT scheme in the SELB area
because of an 'administrative error' within the Department of Education is a
disgrace. It means that despite adverts already appearing in the press
alerting registered youth groups to access this money to improve the
appearance of their premises that theses groups will now be left
disappointed because of incompetence.

"There are not enough resources going into the youth services full stop.
This is a slap in the face for youth groups operating in the SELB area that
would have been able to put this money to good use.

"It is important to recognise that improving the appearance of youth group
premises can play an important role in raising self esteem and self respect
among young people, many of whom are marginalised within their communities.

"The contribution made by these youth groups is enormous and we need to
ensure that hopes are not raised and then dashed." ENDS